Guidance

Minimum income threshold: information for applicants

Updated 16 July 2014

On 11 July 2014 the Court of Appeal upheld the lawfulness of the minimum income threshold for spouses/partners and children applying in the family route.

The income threshold applies to non-EEA national spouses/partners and children applying to settle in the UK with someone who is already resident here. These are generally applications under Appendix FM to the Immigration Rules.

The Court of Appeal judgment overturns a High Court judgment from July 2013, which supported aspects of the approach but found that the impact of the minimum income threshold on family life could be disproportionate.

From 28 July 2014, the 4,000 individuals whose applications are currently on hold, pending the Court of Appeal judgment, will receive a decision. UK Visas and Immigration will decide these applications as soon as possible from 28 July.